Monkey Business

... and the dentist. Emerson had been 6 months ago so she pretty much knew what to expect but she was such a rock star. She did awesome and I think had a pretty good time.

Speaking of, this is my first shot of Easton's first two teeth. Like Ryan said, pretty cute for everyone but me... :)

We went to Little Monkey Business in Kansas (Overland Park, Shawnee, Olathe, somewhere over there). We went with my girlfriend Jayme and her cousin and our 6 kiddos- it was the most fun and I'm already thinking of when we can go back. It was so nice not to have to say, "no, no Easton."

Blair's little boy, Lincoln, is about 2 weeks older than Easton- he was so cute.


She's figured out stairs... Sleepy Baby Kate.

I couldn't believe Emerson let Jayme take her down the big slide right before we left.
Emerson still wants to hold Easton all the time but it's not how it used to be!

Last Sunday Emerson and dad went out front to make her first snowman. We were driving home today and his head had fallen off- everything is melting so quickly. I hope she's not scarred for life. "Mom- my snowman!!!!"

Showing off our matching boots before the Superbowl. I love this because I didn't know she was looking up at me...

"Mom- take a picture of Ariel!"

Snow Days

Holy snow in Kansas City! Ryan and I realized Emerson had never played in snow before and I don't want her to miss out on things just because they sound dreadful to me... So Sunday morning we bundled up, baby proofed the living room to the guild for EC and ventured out into the winter wonderland that is our backyard.

Easton Claire still cozy in her pjs. Next year sweetheart...

Easton's Baptism

We had Miss Easton baptized at St. Johns two weekends ago- it was a really intimate ceremony- pretty perfect. Ryan's whole family came down from Iowa and Nebraska and my family was there as well. Easton's Godparents are Ryan's dad and sister, Mike and Sarah. It's times like these you really appreciate the simplicity of a baptism and take time out to remind ourselves what is really important in life.

Love how babies can make us do that...















Easton Claire is so much fun these days. Just tonight I said to Ryan, I wish I could give birth to an 11 month old. I just love this age. She's crawling like crazy and has gotten pretty good at pulling up on everything (my leg as I'm trying to make dinner, the computer tower, cabinets, etc.) We've also had to keep an eye out for little ANYTHING because if she sees it, it goes in her mouth. Emerson never went through the busy-body, in-her-mouth stage so we knew we were in for it with Easton. We've gotten pretty good at baby-proofing though. Easton also said her first word, also, or phrase, I guess. "Uh-oh!" So cute because she uses it in the right context- dropped binky, sippy cup, toy, etc. So cute. Such a joy, these girls of mine...

Baby's First Christmas

Christmas this year was great- it was hard not to go overboard on gifts for the girls- they're so darn easy to buy for.






We had Christmas at my mom's house on the 23rd. It was a really nice, laid back evening.

Emerson got a Backyardigans t-shirt from Grandma Margaret.

Emerson got a doll house and LOVES it.

So do Easton and Griffin.

We headed up to Iowa on the 24th and opened gifts with them for about 5 hours. You can see how it might take us awhile to get through all of those.

Ryan's brother, Chris, got engaged the day before to his girlfriend Courtney, who we all adore. She fits right in- I'm so excited to have another sister in law I love! That'll make 3!

My girls before bed leaving milk and cookies for Santa. Emerson said that she was sure Santa would share his cookies with her...
... and Easton.

Santa never left notes for Jonathan and me but evidently he's not in such a hurry on the farm. I thought this was pretty cool.

Emerson and Easton's presents from Santa Christmas morning.

Easton's first experience with whipped cream. She's going to destroy her smash cake on her birthday...

Uncle Cole and Emerson being silly.


On a sidenote- I have officially turned into my mother. Emerson is in the "but why?" stage (lovely) and I say about a dozen times a day, "because I said so!" One of the many things I swore I'd never say but here we are.

Also- Easton started clapping her hands yesterday which is the cutest thing ever.

That's all for now- 2011 has been treating us well so far- just getting back into a routine and still putting Christmas presents and decorations away. I'm in the early stages of planning Easton's birthday party which just blows my mind how quickly it's approaching but I'm really looking forward to it.